Plaintiff is one of the largest electric power companies in North America and owns 167 trademark registrations including its “NextEra” mark. Defendant recently began to market, manufacture, import, distribute, license and/or sell energy products and services—including wind turbine components, solar panels, lithium batteries, and integrated new energy systems – under the name Nextra.

This trademark lawsuit involves fresh fruit arrangements cut to look like flowers. Plaintiff operates under the EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS mark while Defendants offer similar goods under the EDIBLE CREATIONS mark. Plaintiff has also opposed Defendants’ federal trademark application, which was refused when Defendant failed to respond to the opposition.

From the Complaint: “Chanel recognizes the fact that “Chanel” is the first name of Defendant Chanel Jones. But this suit is not about Ms. Jones’ ability to use her name to identify herself. Ms. Jones is using CHANEL as a trade name for a beauty business and commercially exploiting the name CHANEL. There is no absolute right to exploit one’s given name commercially if such use is inconsistent with Chanel’s rights. In this case, Ms. Jones is not using her entire name but is instead only using that part of her name that copies Chanel’s famous CHANEL trademark. Ms. Jones’ use began long after the CHANEL mark was registered and became famous, and Ms. Jones’ use is in connection with services related to those offered by Chanel.”

Since as least as early as June 2000, Plaintiff, based in Auburn, Indiana, has continuously used the RIEKE PACKAGING SYSTEMS® trademark in connection with Plaintiff’s dispensing systems and closures. Around 2012, Defendant began using the RIEKES PACKAGING CORPORATION name in connection with glass bottles, plastic bottles, plastic closures, caps, metalclosures, dispensing closures and systems. Plaintiff has brought this lawsuit seeking damages and injunctive relief.

Plaintiff and Defendant are competitors in the asphalt manufacturing, supplying, paving and maintenance business. Defendant purchased the domain name Rieth-Riley.net, which includes Plaintiff’s registered trademark, and used that domain name to direct traffic to their own website, SuperiorAsphalt.com. Defendant also offered to sell the domain name to Plaintiff for $10,000.